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Nursery at Lower Farm Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
First Farmers gives two-year-olds their own starting point at Lower Farm, with photo registration, sensory play and a key worker who plans around each child. Alongside it sits a 52-place nursery offering funded 15-hour and 30-hour provision. First Farmers has up to 16 funded places. Both belong to the school's early years provision in Bloxwich.
In April 2024, Ofsted described a positive start to learning for the youngest children and a curriculum connecting early years learning with the subjects taught later. For parents, the distinctive combination is an introduction to school with a separate routine for the youngest group.
Play and conversation shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage covers seven connected areas, bringing language, physical development and relationships together with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Development Matters guides the planning; topics also respond to children's interests. Number Sense, followed by NCETM maths, sits alongside Essential Letters and Sounds. Nursery phonics begins with small-group listening and sound activities, with letter sounds introduced when appropriate.
First Farmers makes the session concrete. Children register using their photographs, choose activities, spend time outdoors and have a snack before further play, stories and singing. Play dough, sand and water give small hands practice in controlling movements. Books are shared daily, while a Book of the Week and Song of the Week connect classroom activities with home. Singing and musical instruments create opportunities to communicate.
Indoors, defined play zones help children choose what to explore. Each early years classroom has outdoor access, and Forest Schools sessions use the school's forest. Its mud kitchen, pond and permanent shelter add different possibilities for exploration. First Farmers children also plant fruit, vegetables and flowers and help care for them: an immediate reason to notice growth and change.
Settling starts before the first session for First Farmers. Home visits help practitioners learn about a child's interests; Play and Stay sessions introduce the classroom and outdoor area with a parent present. An allocated key worker creates an individual learning plan and shares targets with families. Wellcomm screening and language interventions support communication where needed.
Class Dojo carries observations and updates, and First Farmers holds three parents' evenings during the year. Across early years, families receive a weekly learning overview with ideas for home. These give parents practical ways to continue familiar activities.
Care has a place in the routine. First Farmers includes toileting or nappy changing, with at least two adults present during these times. Snacks include fruit alongside foods such as crumpets or cereal; nursery children receive milk. Children staying for lunch can bring a packed lunch or have a school meal. The SEND approach includes shared planning with parents and specialists, while Colour Monsters Story supports emotional regulation in early years.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions route; Lower Farm directs applicants to Walsall's online admissions service.
The school lists siblings already attending, relevant medical or social circumstances and distance from home as preferences. Nursery attendance is not among those criteria. Familiarity with the school therefore needs to be kept separate from the allocation of a place.
Eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 funded hours, with First Farmers running from 8:45 to 11:45. The funding page gives three-year-old patterns of 12:20 to 15:20 for 15 hours and 8:45 to 14:45 for 30 hours, depending on eligibility. Funding starts in the term following the relevant birthday, subject to space, and an eligibility code is required before starting.
Session times. The admissions page gives different nursery hours: 8:45 to 11:45 or 12:35 to 15:35. Agree the booked pattern with the office before arranging collection.
For children using 30-hour provision, an optional charged extension runs to 15:20. School meals are charged; bringing a packed lunch avoids that meal charge. Snack contributions are voluntary and toast is an optional extra. Paid sessions require office forms, with places limited and reviewed each term. Three-year-olds can also use the Before and After School Club and holiday Playscheme, subject to availability. Contact 01922 710479 or postbox@lower-farm.walsall.sch.uk for enquiries and current charges.
Nursery uniform includes red knitwear, grey bottoms and a white top; logos are optional. First Farmers allows ordinary clothes and asks for a named bag containing spare clothing and nappy supplies.
First Farmers is for two-year-olds. The main nursery admits children from the term after their third birthday, subject to space.
Practitioners arrange home visits and Play and Stay sessions. Each child has an allocated key worker and an individual learning plan.
Eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours a week. For eligible three-year-olds, the school offers 15-hour and 30-hour places. An eligibility code is required before starting.
Children staying for lunch can have a charged school meal or bring a packed lunch. Children in 30-hour provision can use a charged extension to 15:20. The Before and After School Club accepts children from age three, subject to space.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Walsall's school admissions route. The school's listed preferences concern siblings, medical and social factors, and distance, rather than nursery attendance.
